Why Electrical Panel Upgrades Matter
Replacing an electrical panel in Texas generally costs between $1,800 and $4,000, depending on your home’s age, amperage needs, and whether rewiring is required. If you’re adding high-demand appliances like EV chargers, hot tubs, or just updating an older fuse box, upgrading your panel ensures safety, efficiency, and future readiness.
At Dr. Watts Electric, we’ve helped hundreds of Central Texas homeowners make NEC-compliant upgrades tailored to their growing energy needs.
Average Cost Range for Panel Replacement in Texas
| Project Type | Price Range |
| 100-amp Panel Replacement | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| 200-amp Panel Upgrade | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| 400-amp or Dual Panel Install | $3,500 – $4,500+ |
Typical quotes in Texas fall in the $2,000 to $3,500 range. Pricing depends on:
- Panel amperage
- Type (main breaker, subpanel)
- Permits and inspection fees
- Required rewiring or meter upgrades
What’s Included in the Cost?
A full-service panel upgrade should include:
- Removal and disposal of your existing panel
- New panel with breakers
- Proper grounding and bonding
- Labor and installation by a licensed electrician
- Electrical permit and city inspection coordination
At Dr. Watts Electric, every panel job includes a full post-installation safety inspection and lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost Breakdown
| Line Item | Estimated Range |
| New Panel & Breakers | $600 – $1,200 |
| Labor | $800 – $1,600 |
| Permits & Inspections | $150 – $350 |
| Meter Box Upgrade (if needed) | $400 – $900 |
| Rewiring or Refeeding Circuits | $250 – $750 |
When Do You Need to Replace Your Electrical Panel?
Signs it’s time to upgrade:
- Breakers frequently trip
- Panel is warm to the touch
- Buzzing or burning smells
- Lights flicker or dim when large appliances run
- Existing panel is a Zinsco, Federal Pacific, or older fuse box
If your panel is 25+ years old or serving a larger modern home than originally built, it’s likely undersized for today’s electrical load.
How to Save on Electrical Panel Replacement in Texas
- Get 2–3 bids to compare equipment quality and labor transparency
- Choose upgrades during remodeling projects to reduce redundancy
- Combine panel replacement with EV charger or solar inverter prep
- Ask about available energy efficiency rebates or incentives
- Avoid phased upgrades — doing it all at once avoids duplicated labor fees
High-End vs Basic Electrical Panel Jobs
| Feature | Basic Job | Premium Install |
| Amperage | 100A | 200A or 400A |
| Panel Brand | Standard | Square D, Siemens, etc. |
| Surge Protection Included | ❌ | ✅ |
| Subpanel or Generator Transfer | ❌ | ✅ |
| Cost | $1,800–$2,200 | $3,800–$4,500+ |
Internal Safety Standards from Dr. Watts Electric
Panel installations completed by our licensed team include:
- Compliance with NEC codes
- Proper grounding & arc-fault protection
- Coordination with local utility providers
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Transparent quotes with no hidden fees
Learn more about our services here: 👉 Electrical Panel Installation in Central Texas
FAQ – Electrical Panel Replacement in Texas
How much does a 200-amp panel upgrade cost in Texas? On average, $2,500–$3,500 including materials, labor, and permits.
Is it legal to install my own electrical panel in Texas? No. The State of Texas requires licensed electricians for all major panel work.
Can I upgrade my panel without replacing all wiring? Sometimes. If the existing wiring is in good shape and rated for the new panel, full rewiring may not be needed.
What brands of panels are considered reliable? Siemens, Square D, Eaton, and GE are popular, code-compliant options.
Do I need surge protection with a new panel? It’s strongly recommended — many municipalities now require it. Surge devices cost $200–$400 extra but can protect thousands in electronics.
Final Thoughts
Replacing your electrical panel is more than a code requirement — it’s a safety upgrade that protects your home and prepares you for energy-hungry tech. Whether you’re renovating, upgrading for an EV, or correcting a known hazard, a professionally installed panel brings peace of mind.
Connect with Dr. Watts Electric to schedule an inspection or get a transparent, fixed-price quote.